dream.

One day, as she came from the palace of the King, she met on the Moor of
Loneliness a swineherd and two shepherd lads. And well though she knew
that none might enter the forest, she led them to a well in its leafy
depths. Then said this woman trusted of the King, 'Wait here by this well
until the jay cry and the hill-fox bark. Then move slowly on your way, but
speak to none whom ye may meet, and when ye leave the wood let not your
lips tell those things ye shall have seen and heard.'

With these words Lavarcam left the three men, and entered the cottage.

'Come, Deirdre,' she cried, 'the crisp snow glistens in the sunshine. Let
us wander forth.'

And Deirdre came, and dreamily she trod where Lavarcam led. Of a sudden
the older woman left her side, and bent as though she would gather a
woodland flower. At the same moment was heard the cry of the jay and the
bark of the hill-fox. Then came Lavarcam to the maiden's side.

'Passing strange is it,' said Deirdre, 'to hear the jay cry and the
hill-fox bark while yet the snow lies thick.'

'Heed not strange sounds, fair Deirdre, but cast thine eyes toward yonder
well.'

And as Deirdre gazed she saw, as in a dream, the forms of three men come
slowly through the forest.

'These, Deirdre, are men,' said Lavarcam.